Processor module packaging for a portable electronic device display

ABSTRACT

A processor module is packaged with a display for a portable electronic device. The display is designed to create a space within a display housing to allow a processor module to be included in the display housing. The processor module can be designed to be integral with the display housing. Additionally, the processor module can be designed to be detachable from the display housing to provide a removable processor module. The removable processor module can be replaced with another processor module having different functionality or have stand alone functionality, as well as system functionality when attached to a display lid or a portable electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/504,165 entitled SOFTWARE AND HARDWAREFEATURES FOR MINI-PC, filed Sep. 18, 2003, which is incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD

This relates generally to electronic devices, and more particularly to aportable electronic device, such as a hand-held portable computer,having a processor module packaged with a display of the portableelectronic device.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices have become indispensable tools for business andpersonal use. Portable electronic devices, such as “laptop” or“notebook” computers (i.e., portable computers), have becomeincreasingly popular because of their portability, their use ascommunication terminals providing access to the Internet, and the widevariety of applications that can be operated on them. In the particularcase of portable computers, a significant limitation affecting theirusefulness is the limited useful life of the batteries that power them.As a consequence, the batteries for these devices must often berecharged. An added limitation is the weight and bulk of portablecomputers, which often renders them difficult to carry in manyinstances.

Another limitation of conventional portable electronic devices is theinability to use them to quickly review a limited amount of information,such as to look up a phone number or an address. Conventional portableelectronic devices, such as portable computers, are structurallydesigned with a flat panel display positioned in a lid that is mountedto a chassis by a hinge. The lid on such devices must be opened to viewthe display. Additionally, before a portable computer can be used toaccess information, it must be turned on and it then must “boot up” byrunning an initialization sequence and loading an operating system. Thisentire process can become burdensome for users since it can requireconsiderable time and is a significant limitation. A further limitationis the necessity to open a portable computer to turn it on and to accessinformation. It can be very difficult to perform both functions incertain instances, such as when driving a car or when sitting in thesmall confines of an aircraft seat.

An alternative approach for making portable computers more convenientinvolves including auxiliary components (e.g., displays, controlbuttons, etc.) that are accessible when a lid of a computer is closed.An example of this type of portable computer is one that includes asmall display on an outer surface of the lid. A subset of the pixels ina larger main display on the inner surface of the lid is mapped to thesmall display, which can be viewed when the lid of the computer isclosed. Although such a computer does allow some information to beviewed on the small display when the lid is closed, these small displaysoften have limited usefulness because of the inherent limitations ofconventional lid designs.

Furthermore, conventional design practices avoid placing electroniccircuits in the lid which perform functions that are completelyunrelated to the operation of the larger main display. Thus, theauxiliary components that are included in the lid are rarely more thansimple components with limited functionality supported by electroniccircuitry located in the chassis of the portable computer. Anotherconventional design practice is to minimize the form factor of portablecomputers, including the overall thickness of a portable computer. Tothis end, the lids of some smaller conventional portable computersexhibit a tapered profile where the thickness of the lid decreases fromthe hinged edge attached to the chassis to the opposite edge of the lidto reduce or eliminate unused space in the lid behind the larger maindisplay. Other conventional lid designs exhibiting a relatively constantthickness are designed to accommodate multiple light sources that can beused as a backlight for the larger main display rather than for theaccommodation of additional electronic circuits that are unrelated tothe operation of the larger main display.

In addition to these design practices, certain technical constraintsfurther limit the extent to which additional electronic circuitry can beadded that can provide the functionality required to implement auxiliarycomponents used in the lids of portable computers. Among theseconstraints are a limited ability to provide a sufficient number ofelectrical connections through a small moving hinge, and a limitedability to manage effectively the magnitude and extent ofelectromagnetic interference between the electrical signals generated bythe larger main display of a portable computer and the electricalsignals used by radio-frequency (“RF”) circuits.

Therefore, there is a need for an alternative approach for packaging themain displays of portable electronic devices that would permit theintegration of auxiliary components with these displays to enhance thefunctionality provided by these types of devices.

SUMMARY

One preferred aspect provides a processor module packaged with a displayfor a portable electronic device. In one aspect, a lid for a portableelectronic device is pivotally attached to a chassis and has a firstinterior region in which a panel display is located. A second interiorregion of the lid is located adjacent a rear surface of the paneldisplay in which a display driver circuit is located. The lid furtherincludes a third interior region in which a digital processing circuitand a user interface device coupled to the digital processing circuitare located. The user interface is accessible from a rear surface of thelid and the third interior region of the lid is located adjacent therear surface of the panel display and adjoining the second interiorregion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portable electronic device having a lidin an open position in which embodiments can be utilized.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the surface of the lid of the portableelectronic device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a rear panel of the portable electronicdevice of FIG. 1 having a processor module packaged in the lid accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the rear panel of the portable electronicdevice of FIG. 1 having the processor module removed from the lid.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a display according to an embodiment thatcan be used in the lid of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a profile view of the display of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a processor module package according toan embodiment that can be packaged in the lid of the portable electronicdevice of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the processor module package of FIG. 7with a cover portion shown in outline.

FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of a portion of a processor modulepackage according to an embodiment that can be packaged in the lid ofthe portable electronic device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the underside of the processor modulepackage shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a profile view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 1having a processor module packaged in the lid according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A portable electronic device 10 according to one embodiment is shown inFIG. 1. In one embodiment, the portable electronic device 10 has a “clamshell” structure formed by a lid 12 pivotally mounted to a chassis 14 atone edge 16. A keyboard 20 covers substantially the entire inner surfaceof the chassis 14 except for an area occupied by a touchpad 22 pointingdevice. A main display 24 is framed by a front cover 108 of the lid 12and is visible when the lid 12 is in an open position. The portableelectronic device 10 is turned on by pressing an appropriate key on thekeyboard 20, and the keyboard 20 is used to enter alphanumeric data. Theportable electronic device 10 includes an internal battery (not shown)as well as in internal AC powered battery charger (not shown) to providepower. Although the portable electronic device 10 may be substantiallythe size of a conventional notebook computer, i.e., on the order of 250mm by 300 mm in plan form, it is preferably only slightly larger than aconventional PDA, i.e., on the order of 100 mm by 150 mm with athickness of about 25 mm.

With reference to FIG. 2, the lid 12 includes a processor module 100that includes an auxiliary touch-screen display 30 and a membrane keypad34. Shown on the display 30 are the current date and time 32, statusicons 36, including status indicators showing the number of new e-mailmessages, the charge status of an internal battery, and the signalstrength for an internal cell phone application. The touch-screendisplay 30 also includes an icon 40 for accessing the “Inbox” of ane-mail application, an icon 42 for accessing a contacts application, anicon 44 for accessing an appointment calendar application, an icon 46for accessing an audio player application, an icon 48 for accessing anvoice memo application, an icon 50 for accessing a modem, an application52 for locking the system, and an icon 54 for turning off wirelessfunctionality when flying in an airplane. The functions represented byeach of these icons 40-54 can be selected by pressing the icon on thetouch-screen display 30. The particular icon 40-54 that is selected isshown in the display 30 at 56.

The keypad 34 includes directional keys 60 a-d that perform differentfunctions depending on which application is being accessed. Thedirectional keys 60 a-d are used to move a cursor up, to the right,down, and to the left, respectively, when alphanumeric text is shown inthe touch-screen display 30. When the audio player application isactive, the directional keys 60 a,c are used to increase or decrease thevolume, respectively, and the directional keys 60 b,d are used forrespectively moving forwardly or a rearwardly in an audio selection. Thedirectional keys 60 a-d surround an Enter key 62 that is used in aconventional manner. The keypad 34 also includes a menu key 66 thatcauses menu items to be shown in the touch-screen display 30, a home key68 that causes the display 30 to show the icons 40-54 illustrated inFIG. 2, an “Esc” or cancel key 70 that is used to cancel a currentselection, and an Enter key 72 that essentially performs the samefunction as the Enter key 62. Where an internal cell phone applicationis available, the keys 70 and 72 act as “end call” and “call” buttons,respectively. Also included with the keypad 34 are three audio controlkeys that are used when the audio playback application is active. Theseaudio control keys are a key 80 for selecting a previous track, aplay/pause key 82, and a next track key 84, which are used in aconventional manner.

In one embodiment, the portable electronic device 10 includes a sidewheel 86 (shown in FIG. 1) mounted on the side of the portableelectronic device 10 that can be rotated in either direction bymanipulating the wheel 86 with a thumb, or pressed inwards (along theaxis of rotation) to generate a key click (generally used as enter orselect). Additionally, the side wheel 86 can be used for navigating andselecting items on the touch-screen display 30. For example, the sidewheel 86 allows a user to scroll through menu items shown on thetouch-screen display 30 when either the menu key 66 or an applicationrunning on the portable electronic device 10 displays a menu. The sidewheel 86 can also be used for other functions that are supported by theprocessor module 100, such as a “zoom” control in certain applicationsto change the scale at which an item is shown on the touch-screendisplay 30 or on the main display 24. Finally, the side wheel 86 may beused to configure the portable electronic device 10, such to adjust thecontrast of the main display 24 and the touch-screen display 30, totoggle the touch-screen display 30 on and off, to control the volume ofinternal speakers, etc. As also shown in FIG. 2, the computer systemalso includes a video camera lens 88 that allows video frames to besaved as a video file, and may be used with a Webcam application. Otherembodiments of the portable electronic device 10 may have a physicalstructure and user interface that are different than those shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. For example, other user interface devices may besubstituted for the keyboard 20, main display 24, side wheel 86 andother components of the portable electronic device 10. Similarly, otheruser interface devices may be substituted for the keypad 34 andauxiliary display 30 in the processor module 100.

The processor module 100 may be used to provide access to theapplications corresponding to the icons 40-54 when the lid 12 is closedand the portable electronic device 10 is turned off or is in alower-power state. As explained in greater detail below, theapplications corresponding to the icons 40-54 are executed by a lowpower processor that consumes relatively little power. Therefore, theprocessor module 100 can be used to perform key tasks like checkinge-mails, viewing contact and calendar information, and recording voicememos when the portable electronic device 10 is in a low power mode.When the portable electronic device 10 is turned on, a high powerprocessor is used to provide all of the functionality of the portableelectronic device 10, and it consumes a substantial amount of power atthat time.

With reference to FIG. 3, the portable electronic device 10 includesvarious communication ports on the rear portion of the chassis 14,including a conventional mini-universal serial bus (“USB”) port 92, aconventional DC power input jack, and a docking connector 94. Thedocking connector 94 can be used to connect to a base unit (not shown)that can have additional communication ports to provide greaterconnectivity with the portable electronic device 10, as well as provideadditional or alternative features to the portable electronic device 10when connected to the base unit. The various communication ports can beused to provide communication between an external device and theportable electronic device 10. Many such peripheral devices are wellknown, for example, printers, digital cameras, scanners, external diskdrives, and the like. Alternative embodiments of the portable electronicdevice 10 can provide additional or alternative communication ports tothe ones illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, an Ethernet port, a modemport, or the like can be included in the portable electronic device 10as well. The rear portion of the portable electronic device 10 furtherincludes an antenna 98 for wireless communication. The portableelectronic device 10 can be equipped with a wireless communicationcapability using IEEE 802.11 (“Wi-Fi”), Bluetooth, or other wirelesscommunication protocols. The antenna 98 can be utilized for transmissionas well as reception of wireless signals.

A more detailed description of a computer system similar to the computersystem is provided in commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______, entitled PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVINGHIGH AND LOW POWER PROCESSORS OPERABLE IN A LOW POWER MODE filed on Jun.17, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 3 further illustrates an embodiment of a processor module 100 thatis integrated with the lid 12 of the portable electronic device 10. Aseam 102 is shown in FIG. 3 at which a cover 104 for the processormodule 100 meets a rear cover 106 of the lid 12. The cover 104 and therear cover 106, along with the front cover 108 provide a housing inwhich the main display 24 and processor module 100 can be enclosed. Aswill be explained in more detail below, the main display 24 includesvarious components housed in the lid 12, such as a panel display anddisplay driver circuits. With reference to FIG. 4, the portableelectronic device 10 is shown with the processor module 100 and cover104 removed, exposing a rear surface 110 of a panel display 109, aportion of a printed circuit board 114 on which conventional displaydriver circuits are mounted, and a portion of a frame 112 to which thepanel display 109 and the display driver circuits 114 are attached. Theterm “PCB” will be used herein interchangeably with “printed circuitboard.” As shown in FIG. 4, the rear cover 106 covers a portion of thePCB 114 on which the display driver circuits are mounted. The displaydriver circuits 114 are electrically coupled to processing circuitrylocated in the chassis 14 and further coupled to the panel display 109to generate appropriate signals and to drive the panel display 109 todisplay computer graphics images. The display driver circuits 114 andthe processor module 100 are coupled to obtain power from the internalbattery or from an external DC power source through the internal powercircuitry in the chassis 14. Coupling to circuitry in the chassis 14 canbe made through a flexible printed circuit (“FPC”) or cable connectionthrough a hinge attaching the lid 12 to the chassis 14.

Some details of the main display 24 will be referenced generally in FIG.4, and in other cases, have been omitted from various embodiments. Forexample, in an embodiment utilizing a panel display requiring a lightsource (not shown), a light guide for directing light from the lightsource can be referred to generally as being part of the rear surface110 of the panel display 109.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the main display 24. The maindisplay 24 includes a panel display 109 having a front surface 111 and arear surface 110. In various embodiments, the main display 24 can useconventional panel display technologies, such as, for example, liquidcrystal display (“LCD”), thin film transistor (“TFT”), plasma display,light emitting diode (“LED”), organic light emitting diode (“OLED”),field emission display (“FED”). In the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 5,the main display 24 employs TFT LCD technology. However, other paneldisplay technologies can be employed without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. The panel display 109 is mounted to a frame 112constructed of material for providing support and rigidity for the paneldisplay 109. As previously discussed with respect to FIG. 4, the maindisplay 24 further includes display driver circuits that are mounted ona PCB 114 and are electrically coupled to the panel display 109 togenerate signals for driving the panel display 109. Electric shieldingis included in the main display 24 to minimize RF emissions.Conventional manufacturing techniques can be utilized in constructingthe main display 24. The main display 24 is designed with the PCBmounted to a first end of the frame 112. The PCB extends a portion ofthe way across the rear surface 110 of the panel display 109, leavingthe opposite end of the frame 112 with an unoccupied region 116 adjacentthe rear surface 110 of the panel display 109. The frame 112 is designedto maintain the structural integrity of the main display 24 despitehaving the unoccupied region 116 behind the panel display 109.

As will be discussed in more detail below, the unoccupied region 116 canbe utilized for including the processor module 100 in the lid 12.Contrary to conventional designs, a processor module is packaged in thelid/display housing by utilizing the unoccupied region 116 adjacent arear surface of a panel display.

FIG. 6 illustrates a profile view of the main display 24 shown in FIG.5. Reference numbers previously used with respect to FIG. 5 have alsobeen used in FIG. 6 where appropriate. FIG. 6 illustrates a light source122 and a light guide 120 for efficiently converting the light from thelight source 122 into a uniform back-light for the panel display 109. Inone embodiment, the light source 122 is a cold cathode fluorescent lamp(“CCFL”). However, in other embodiments, alternative light sources canbe employed as well without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. The light guide 120 tapers from the end having the lightsource to a distal end, providing a generally triangular profile. Thelight guide 120 can be made from materials having physical andstructural properties that provide a uniform back-light for the paneldisplay 109. By using a highly efficient light guide 120, a light sourcelocated proximate to the end at which the display driver circuitsmounted on the PCB 114 are located can be used to provide a back-lightfor the entire panel display 109.

A flexible tab connection 126 electrically couples the display drivercircuits to the panel display 109. As shown in FIG. 6, the profile ofthe main display 24 generally tapers from a first end 130 where thedisplay driver circuits on the PCB 114 are adjacent the rear surface 110of the panel display 109 to an opposite end 132. The positioning of thedisplay driver circuits at the first end and the generally triangularprofile of the light guide 120 facilitates the creation of theunoccupied region 116 behind the panel display 109 and on the oppositeend of the light source 122 and the display driver circuits. In theembodiment shown with reference to FIG. 4, the first end is locatedtoward the edge 16 of the lid 12, which is pivotally attached to thechassis 14.

FIG. 7 illustrates the processor module 100 (FIG. 3) and the cover 104detached from the rear cover 106 and the front cover 108 of the lid 12.The auxiliary display 30 and the keypad 34 are exposed through anopening in the cover 104. As previously discussed, the auxiliary display30 can be used to provide visual information to a user when the lid 12is in a closed position. The visual information can take the form ofgraphical icons corresponding to various computer applications, as wellas textual information. The keypad 34 can be used by the user to enterinformation and interact with the processor module 100.

Although referenced as separate elements, the processor module 100 andcover 104 can also be referred to collectively as the processor module100. Additionally, the processor module 100 has been previouslydescribed as being a component of the lid 12, that is, the processormodule 100 is included with the lid 12, forming an integral housing.However, in alternative embodiments, the processor module 100 can bedetached from the lid 12 to provide a removable processor module. Insuch embodiments, the unoccupied region 116 behind the panel display 109and opposite of the display driver circuits on the PCB 114 is utilizedby the removable processor module. The removable processor module can bedetached and replaced with another processor module having differentfunctionality than the one removed. Alternatively, a removable processormodule can have stand-alone functionality, as well as systemfunctionality when attached to the lid 12. A more detailed descriptionfor a removable processing module is provided in commonly assigned,co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled REMOVABLEMODULE FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HAVING STAND-ALONE AND SYSTEMFUNCTIONALITY filed on Jun. 17, 2004, which is incorporated herein byreference. In other embodiments, the removable processor module can bereplaced with a modules that provide the portable electronic device 10with features such as expanded random access memory, expanded hard diskdrive, communication using different wireless communication protocols,and the like. Thus, it will be appreciated that the term “processormodule” as used herein includes both modules having any processingcapability as well as those not having any processing capability.

FIG. 8 illustrates the positioning of the processor module 100 relativeto the cover 104, which is shown in outline. The processor module 100 isoffset to one edge of the cover 104. The auxiliary display 30 and thekeypad 34 are mounted on a PCB 134. A secure digital connector 138 ismounted on the PCB 134, but is not exposed through the cover 104 in theway the auxiliary display 30 and the keypad 34 are exposed. Theprocessor module 100 is coupled to electronic circuitry located in thechassis 14 through a FPC or cable that is brought through a hinge at theedge 16. The electrical connections can be included in the same FPC orcable alongside those necessary for coupling the display drivingcircuits to electronic circuitry in the chassis 14.

FIG. 9 illustrates the interrelationship of the auxiliary display 30 andthe keypad 34 relative to the PCB 134. Electric shielding to reduceelectromagnetic interference from the panel display 109 to the RFcircuitry has been omitted from FIG. 9 to avoid obscuring the relativepositioning of the auxiliary display 30, the keypad 34, and the PCB 134.The auxiliary display 30 is mounted to the PCB 134 using an auxiliarydisplay gasket 136. The stacked design of the processor module 100provides a compact construction that can take advantage of theunoccupied region 116 located behind the panel display 109 and adjacentthe display driver circuits.

Electronic components 142 and a cutout 140 for auxiliary displaycomponents are located beneath the keypad 34 and the auxiliary display30, respectively. An illustrative placement of the electronic components142 is shown in FIG. 9. However, other placements of electroniccomponents can be used in other embodiments. The electronic components142 are illustrated in FIG. 9 for the purpose of providing an example ofthe placement of such components. The specific embodiment shown in FIG.9 is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Theelectronic components 142 typically include electronic devices forsupporting the auxiliary display 30 and the keypad 34. Additionally, theelectronic components 142 include a digital processing unit 150 andmemory devices 152. The digital processing unit 150 can execute softwareapplications in the form of software instructions stored in the memorydevices 152. The various devices of the electronic components 142 areconventional, and the specific devices included will depend on thedesired functionality of the processor module 100. Selection of thespecific devices, and implementation of the desired functionality iswell within the understanding of those ordinarily skilled in the art.

The various components of the processor module 100 can be coupled to oneanother within the confines of the lid 12. Although, as previouslydiscussed, the processor module 100 is coupled to electronic circuitrylocated in the chassis 14, the coupling between, for example, thedigital processing unit 150 and the electronic devices for supportingthe auxiliary display 30 and the keypad 34 does not require coupling ofthe user interface devices with electronic circuitry in the chassis 14for operation. That is, with the hardware for supporting processing andoperation of the auxiliary display 30 and the keypad 34 coupled to thedigital processing unit 150, only connections between the digitalprocessing 150 and electronic circuitry in the chassis 14 would beneeded for their operation. Thus, the additional functionality providedby the processor module 100 does not need to come at the expense ofsignificantly increasing the number of electrical connections that mustbe brought through a hinge at the edge 16 from the lid 12 to the chassis14.

FIG. 10 illustrates the processor module 100 positioned in a recessformed on the inside of the cover 104. The thickness of the processormodule 100 is such that it can utilize the unoccupied region 116 (FIGS.5 and 6) adjacent the rear surface 110 when attached to the lid 12 ofthe portable electronic device 10. As previously discussed, in oneembodiment, the unoccupied region 116 is provided in part by thepositioning of the display driver circuits on the PCB 114 at the firstend 130 (FIG. 6) and the generally triangular profile of the light guide120 that tapers from the first end 130 to the region occupied by theprocessor module 100 when attached to the lid 12. FIG. 11 illustrateshow the tapered or generally triangular profile of the main display 24enables a processor module 100 to be included in the lid 12 withoutimpairing the appearance or the small streamlined shape of the portableelectronic device 10. The thickness of the lid 12 remains substantiallyuniform from the hinged edge 16 to the opposite edge of the lid 12.

One skilled in the relevant art may recognize that the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be practiced without one or more specific details,or with other methods, resources, materials, etc. In other instances,well known structures, resources, or operations have not been shown ordescribed in detail merely to avoid obscuring important aspects of theembodiments.

While example embodiments and applications have been illustrated anddescribed, it is to be understood that the invention is not to belimited to the precise configuration and resources described above. Forexample, the display driver circuits have been previously described asbeing located in a display housing behind a panel display. However, inalternative embodiments, the display driver circuits are located in thechassis to which the display housing is attached, thereby providingadditional space for a processor module. Accordingly, variousmodifications, changes and variations apparent to those skilled in theart may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of themethods and systems of the embodiments disclosed herein withoutdeparting from the scope of the claimed invention.

1. A portable electronic device display, comprising: a panel displayhaving a front surface on which computer graphics images are displayedand further having a rear surface opposite the front surface, the rearsurface of the panel display having an outside perimeter with a firstedge and a second edge opposite the first edge; a display driver circuitcoupled to the panel display and adapted to generate electric signalsfor driving the panel display to display computer graphics images on thefront surface, the display driver having an input terminal at which datarepresentative of the image to be displayed are provided, the displaydriver circuit having a portion located proximate the first edge of therear surface of the panel display within the outside perimeter; adisplay housing in which the panel display and display driver are atleast partially enclosed; and an electronic module having a processorand a memory device coupled to the processor, the electronic moduleattached to the display housing and positioned proximate the second edgeof the rear surface of the panel display within the outside perimeter.2. The portable electronic device display of claim 1 wherein the paneldisplay comprises a liquid crystal display (“LCD”).
 3. The portableelectronic device display of claim 2, further comprising: a light sourcepositioned proximate to the first edge; and a light guide adjacent therear surface of the LCD and adjacent the light source to provide backlighting for the LCD from the light source.
 4. The portable electronicdevice display of claim 1 wherein the display housing and the electronicmodule are integral.
 5. The portable electronic device display of claim1 wherein the electronic module is removably attached to the displayhousing.
 6. The portable electronic device display of claim 5 whereinthe electronic module includes a battery for providing power to theelectronic module.
 7. The portable electronic device display of claim 1wherein the electronic module includes an auxiliary display visiblethrough an opening in a module housing enclosing the electronic moduleand further includes a keypad coupled to the processor for providinguser input thereto.
 8. The portable electronic device display of claim 1wherein the electronic module includes an auxiliary display visiblethrough an opening in a module housing enclosing the electronic module.9. The portable electronic device display of claim 1 wherein theelectronic module includes a keypad accessible through an opening in amodule housing enclosing the electronic module.
 10. The portableelectronic device display of claim 1 wherein the panel display and thedisplay driver circuit comprise a display structure having a generallytapered profile from the first edge to the second edge.
 11. A portableelectronic device, comprising: a chassis having a keypad locatedthereon; a lid pivotally attached to the chassis and having a paneldisplay located therein, the panel display having a front surface and arear surface opposite of the front surface, the front surface viewablewhen the lid is in an open position; a display driving circuitelectrically coupled to the panel display and adapted to generateelectric signals that are provided to the panel display for displayingan image; and a processor module attached to the lid and locatedadjacent the rear surface of the panel display, the processor modulehaving a processor and further having a user interface device coupled tothe processor.
 12. The portable electronic device of claim 11 whereinthe display driving circuit comprises integrated circuit devices locatedwithin the chassis.
 13. The portable electronic device of claim 11wherein the display driving circuit comprises integrated circuit deviceslocated within the lid adjacent the rear surface of the panel display.14. The portable electronic device of claim 11 wherein the processormodule is attached to the lid at an edge opposite of the display drivingcircuit.
 15. The portable electronic device of claim 11 wherein thepanel display comprises a liquid crystal display (“LCD”).
 16. Theportable electronic device of claim 15, further comprising: a lightsource positioned proximate to a first edge of the lid; and a lightguide adjacent the rear surface of the LCD and adjacent the light sourceto provide back lighting for the LCD from the light source.
 17. Theportable electronic device of claim 11 wherein the lid and the processormodule are integral.
 18. The portable electronic device of claim 11wherein the processor module is removably attached to the lid.
 19. Theportable electronic device of claim 11 wherein the user interface deviceof the processor module comprises a keypad.
 20. The portable electronicdevice of claim 11 wherein the processor module further includes anauxiliary display viewable when the lid is in the closed position.
 21. Aportable electronic device display pivotally attached to a chassis,comprising: a multi-unit housing having a front cover and a rear cover,the front cover having an opening through which a display surface of adisplay is visible and the rear cover covering a first portion of a rearsurface of the display; a processor located adjacent a second portion ofthe rear surface of the display and proximate an edge of the displayopposite of the pivotal attachment to the chassis; and a processor covercovering the processor and the second portion of the rear surface of thepanel display.
 22. The portable electronic device display package ofclaim 21 wherein the rear cover is proximate the pivotal attachment tothe chassis.
 23. The portable electronic device display package of claim21, further comprising display circuitry located adjacent the firstportion of the rear surface of the panel display and having at least aportion covered by the rear cover, the panel display circuitry coupledto the panel display to generate electrical signals to drive the paneldisplay for displaying images.
 24. The portable electronic devicedisplay package of claim 21 wherein the processor cover includes anopening through which an auxiliary display is visible, the auxiliarydisplay physically smaller than the panel display visible through theopening of the front cover.
 25. The portable electronic device displaypackage of claim 21 wherein the multi-unit display housing and theprocessor cover result in a structure having a profile with generallyuniform thickness.
 26. A portable electronic device display pivotallyattached to a chassis, the device display comprising: a display housinghaving a first interior region in which a panel display is located andhaving a second interior region located adjacent a rear surface of thepanel display in which a display driver circuit is located, the displaydriver circuit electrically coupled to the panel display, the displayhousing further having a third interior region in which a processingcircuit and a user interface device coupled to the processing circuitare located, the user interface exposed through an opening in thedisplay housing, the third interior region located adjacent the rearsurface of the panel display and adjoining the second interior region.27. The portable electronic device display of claim 26 wherein thedisplay housing is constructed from a plurality of cover portions. 28.The portable electronic device display of claim 26 wherein the paneldisplay comprises a liquid crystal display (“LCD”).
 29. The portableelectronic device display of claim 28, further comprising: a lightsource located in the second interior region; and a light guide adjacentthe rear surface of the LCD and adjacent the light source to provideback lighting for the LCD from the light source.
 30. The portableelectronic device display of claim 26, further comprising an auxiliarydisplay located within the third interior region and visible through anauxiliary display opening in the display housing adjacent the openingfor the user interface device.
 31. The portable electronic devicedisplay of claim 26 wherein the user interface device comprises a keypadaccessible through an opening in the display housing.
 32. The portableelectronic device display of claim 26 wherein the panel display and thedisplay driver circuit comprise a panel display structure having agenerally tapered profile.
 33. A portable electronic device, comprising:a chassis having a keypad located thereon; a lid pivotally attached tothe chassis and having a panel display located therein, the paneldisplay having a front surface and a rear surface opposite of the frontsurface, the front surface viewable when the lid is in an open positionand the rear surface having a first edge proximate the pivotalattachment and a second edge opposite of the first edge; a displaydriving circuit electrically coupled to the panel display and adapted togenerate electric signals that are provided to the panel display todisplay an image, the display driving circuit located adjacent the rearsurface of the panel display and proximate the first edge; and anelectronic module attached to the lid and located adjacent the rearsurface of the panel display and proximate to the second edge.
 34. Theportable electronic device of claim 33 wherein the electronic moduleincludes random-access memory for storing data.
 35. The portableelectronic device of claim 33 wherein the electronic module includes ahard disk drive.
 36. A portable electronic device, comprising: a chassishaving a keyboard located thereon; a lid pivotally attached to thechassis by a pivotal attachment and having a panel display locatedtherein, the panel display having a front surface and a rear surfaceopposite of the front surface, the front surface viewable when the lidis in an open position; a processor located in the chassis and beingcoupled to the keyboard and the panel display, the processor beingcoupled to the panel display through a conductor extending through thepivotal attachment between the lid and the chassis; a user interfacedevice mounted in the lid, the user interface device being accessiblewhen the lid is pivoted to a closed position in which the front surfaceof the panel display cannot be viewed; and a processor module mounted inthe lid, the processor module having a processor coupled to the userinterface to support functionality of the user interface device.
 37. Theportable electronic device of claim 36 wherein a plurality of conductorsare coupled to the user interface device to either provide signals tothe user interface device or receive signals from the user interfacedevice, substantially all of the conductors extending to the userinterface device from a location in the lid so that it is not necessaryto route the conductors through the pivotal attachment between the lidand the chassis.
 38. A method for packaging a display in a displayhousing, comprising: mounting a panel display having a front surface anda rear surface opposite the front surface in the display housing;mounting a display circuit coupled to the panel display in the displayhousing adjacent the rear surface of the panel display and proximate afirst edge of the display housing to occupy a portion of an interiorvolume of the display housing; and including a processor module having aprocessor in the housing on the rear surface of the panel display andproximate a second edge of the display housing to occupy a remainingportion of the interior volume of the display housing, the second edgeopposite the first edge of the display housing.
 39. The method of claim38 wherein mounting a panel display comprises mounting a liquid crystaldisplay (“LCD”).
 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising:positioning a light source proximate to the first edge; and positioninga light guide adjacent the rear surface of the LCD and adjacent thelight source to provide back lighting for the LCD from the light source.41. The method of claim 38 wherein including a processor modulecomprises including a processor module having an auxiliary displayvisible through an opening in a rear surface of the display housing. 42.The method of claim 38 wherein including a processor module comprisesincluding a processor module having a keypad accessible through anopening in a rear surface of the display housing.
 43. The method ofclaim 38 wherein mounting a panel display and mounting a display circuitcomprises mounting a structure having a generally tapered profile fromthe first edge of the display housing to the second edge of the displayhousing.
 44. A method for packaging a display in a display housing, themethod comprising: mounting a first display and corresponding displaycircuits in a housing pivotally attached to a chassis to provide aninterior volume in the housing behind the first display and opposite thepivotal attachment, a front surface of the first display exposed througha first opening in the display housing; and utilizing the interiorvolume for a processor module positioned adjacent to a rear surface ofthe panel display, the processor module having a second display and auser interface device exposed through an opening in a rear surface ofthe display housing, the opening for the second display and userinterface and the opening exposing the front surface of the firstdisplay on opposite sides of the display housing.
 45. The method ofclaim 44 wherein mounting the first display comprises mounting a liquidcrystal display (“LCD”).
 46. The method of claim 45, further comprising:positioning a light source adjacent the to display circuits adjacent therear surface of the LCD; and positioning a light guide adjacent the rearsurface of the LCD and adjacent the light source to provide backlighting for the LCD from the light source.
 47. The method of claim 44wherein mounting the first display and corresponding display circuits inthe housing comprises mounting an integral structure having a generallytapered profile.